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magicinsight Inner circle 4293 Posts |
I was planning on getting the item called That Darn Buzzer from HP, which is basically a remote controlled buzzer that can be used as a running gag. While a typical running gag such has emptying a lota bowl can be done throughout the show, this buzzer device is connected to a tray and is suggested to be held by a volunteer. Obviously if this is done, you cannot have the child stand for the entire show. Therefore it must either be used within the framework of a single routine or have teh child sit down in the audience while holding it.
If it is done only within the framework of a single routine, then it is really not a true running gag. If it is held by the child while sitting down, it will cause a major distraction and possible destruction of the buzzer system. Do you see this as being an effective running gag? Are my concerns or limitations justified? Would you use this buzzer as a running gag in any other manner? IF used, would you use it throughout the entire show, and how often? Thank you very much. Michael
“Belief matters more than truth. Every moment, belief in imaginary things alters lives while truth sits unnoticed and waits.”
—Hakim, Loreweaver |
RJE Inner circle 1848 Posts |
Routines and running gags are only as good as you make them.
You need to have an entertaining routine or raison d'etre for doing any effect. If a performer relies strictly on the routine/gag etc... as it is sold, they will most likely be dissappointed. |
RJE Inner circle 1848 Posts |
Sorry, computer died before I could finish my point.
Michael, You want to have a routine visualized for this prop. You want to have it thought out. Where in the show you will put it? How will it be introduced and used? What lines do you intend on using? How will the gag conclude? How does this fit your character and act? And so on... The prop is only the prop. It becomes a killer routine or running gag only if you make it so. All the best. |
John Breeds Veteran user England 336 Posts |
http://magicboxcapers.com/createkidsmagic/PeepInside04A.pdf
Hi Michael Please consider, 'Don't Ring That Bell!' The above link will take you to it in one of the pages of my new book, 'How to Create Kids' Magic and Triple Your Income!' (distributed via Murphy's Magic throughout the States and Practical Magic across Europe). As well as constructional details, the book also outlines some killer routines with which to use the device. Ask ANY of the pros who already use this device for their comment! John |
magicinsight Inner circle 4293 Posts |
John,
Thank you VERY much for the information. I was planning on getting your book anyway but now I will get it ASAP. Thansk again. Michael
“Belief matters more than truth. Every moment, belief in imaginary things alters lives while truth sits unnoticed and waits.”
—Hakim, Loreweaver |
John Breeds Veteran user England 336 Posts |
Cheers Michael
I have PMd you on your local dealers in NY John |
magicinsight Inner circle 4293 Posts |
John,
Much obliged. Cheers from the Big Apple, Michael
“Belief matters more than truth. Every moment, belief in imaginary things alters lives while truth sits unnoticed and waits.”
—Hakim, Loreweaver |
Derek Rutt Creations Regular user thailand 172 Posts |
Many many years ago I used to use an item called Don't ring that Bell made by Derek Lever of Taurus magic and alkso an item more suited to adult shows called Balloon burster.Both these props were hysterical but only to be used within the framework of a routine and not as a running gag through the show it becomes too tedious.
The bell was on a timer and the fourth ring it never stopped ....Hillarious ! so summing up in my opinion only within a routine ....I used this item for more than 20years. Hope this helps. Derek
Hope this helps. Creation is life
www.derekrutt.com |
John Breeds Veteran user England 336 Posts |
Derek
Yes, that's quite right. It was an hilariuous bit of business to go with another routine. I did explain this and Derek's involvement in my 'peepinside' link in the previous post. (I bet you didn't look!) http://magicboxcapers.com/createkidsmagic/PeepInside04A.pdf John ps Derek, I love your creations. |
Jef Eaton Special user 526 Posts |
Years ago I had made a "Magic Bell" which was a snake can with the lettering "Magic Bell" on the can and a door bell button glued to the top. I used Phoney Ring which was a gimmick available back then that had a bell ringer on it that you put in your pocket. I re worked the button so I could push my stomach out and ring the bell. I told the child that he was going to be the "eyes" of the audience and if he saw anything tricky going on he should ring the bell and I would explain what I was doing. Of course as soon as I said "and now the Vanishing Hank Trick" the bell would ring. You can imagine how funny that could get with the child denying he was pushing the button. The blow off was of course me grabbing the can and the spring snakes jumping out. It worked great.
Mr. Breeds, I took a peek at your book and was very impressed. The illustrations are great and descriptions very clear. Well done! If someone had a problem getting a bell with 2 buttons, he could just put any button on as the fake one. Regards,. Jef Eaton
kandumagic.com
<BR>jjeaton@aol.com <BR>Creator of what my Mom thinks are the funniest kid show props around! |
John Breeds Veteran user England 336 Posts |
Quote:
On 2009-05-22 15:40, Jef Eaton wrote: Many thanks Jef for your kind comments about my new book. I'm so pleased you liked it enough to actually say so here. Regarding your routine with the snakecan bell; It sounds hillarious! Do you still use it? Have you written up the routine? with good cheers to you and yours John |
Jef Eaton Special user 526 Posts |
It's in my "to do" file. I would love to put out a book but it is not on the "front Burner" as of now.
I don't use the "Magic Bell" at this time in my shows. Thanks for thinking it was funny. Regards, Jef
kandumagic.com
<BR>jjeaton@aol.com <BR>Creator of what my Mom thinks are the funniest kid show props around! |
Derek Rutt Creations Regular user thailand 172 Posts |
John,
quite right .....no I didn't look ! oops! and many thanks for the nice comment greatly appreciated. Derek
Hope this helps. Creation is life
www.derekrutt.com |
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